Shayani Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Ashadhi Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu holy day observed on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. This day holds immense religious importance, particularly for followers of Lord Vishnu, as it marks the beginning of a four-month period known as Chaturmas.
Etymology and Alternative Names
The name "Shayani" is derived from the Sanskrit word shayana, meaning "sleep" or "repose," referring to the belief that Lord Vishnu begins his cosmic sleep on this day.
- Devshayani Ekadashi: Literally "the Ekadashi when the gods sleep."
- Padma Ekadashi: Named after the lotus (Padma) associated with Vishnu.
- Ashadhi Ekadashi: Named after the Hindu month of Ashadha in which it occurs.
Significance
Shayani Ekadashi marks the traditional beginning of the Chaturmas (literally "four months"), a period during which Lord Vishnu is believed to go into Yoganidra (a state of meditative sleep) on the serpent Shesha in the celestial ocean. During this period, the universe is believed to be governed by Lord Shiva.
This cosmic sleep of Vishnu has several implications:
- Cessation of Auspicious Activities: Traditionally, no major auspicious ceremonies like marriages, housewarmings (Griha Pravesh), or new ventures are undertaken during Chaturmas, as Vishnu, the preserver, is in repose.
- Spiritual Focus: The period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, penance, fasting, reading scriptures, and devotion. Many devotees undertake specific vows (vratas) for the duration of Chaturmas, such as refraining from certain foods, observing silence, or performing daily prayers.
- Agricultural Connection: The timing of Shayani Ekadashi often coincides with the onset of the monsoon season in India, a crucial period for agriculture. The period of Chaturmas is thus also associated with nature's renewal.
Observances and Rituals
Devotees observe Shayani Ekadashi with various rituals and practices:
- Fasting (Vrat): Many observe a complete fast (Nirjala Vrat, abstaining from water) or a partial fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or specific Ekadashi-approved foods. The fast is typically broken on the following day (Dwadashi) after offering prayers.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu: Idols or images of Lord Vishnu (often in his Krishna or Vitthal forms) are elaborately worshipped. Special prayers, aartis, and devotional songs are offered. It is customary to symbolically put the deity to "sleep" after the evening prayers.
- Pilgrimages: In Maharashtra, Shayani Ekadashi is particularly significant, marked by a grand pilgrimage (Wari) to Pandharpur, where millions of devotees (Varkaris) walk for days to worship Lord Vitthal (a form of Krishna).
- Vows (Sankalpa): Many individuals take a sankalpa (vow) on this day to observe specific austerities, spiritual practices, or dietary restrictions for the entire Chaturmas period.
Shayani Ekadashi is eventually followed by Prabodhini Ekadashi (also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi) after four months, which marks the symbolic awakening of Lord Vishnu and the resumption of auspicious worldly activities.